Chapter 23 · Table Zero: Memory Stakes

"Put your hand on the card, Cole, or I cut the contract myself." Eve pressed the edge of a black card against his wrist. The paper bit his skin. "And when I do, your sister’s debt comes due in full."

Cole kept his eyes on her face. She stood close enough that her breath touched his cheek, one hand braced beside his head, the other holding the card against his pulse. Her gloves were gone. Her fingers were warm. Too warm for someone threatening to ruin his life.

"You said Table Zero didn’t take souls," he said.

"It doesn’t." Her mouth tightened. "It takes memories."

"That’s supposed to make me feel better?"

"No. It’s supposed to make you understand the rules before you lose."

Behind Eve, a steel door had opened without a sound. Beyond it sat a round table under one hard white lamp. Six chairs. Six stacks of black chips. No dealers. No audience. Just a brass bell in the center and a single card turned facedown beside it.

The door slammed shut behind Cole.

He spun, grabbed the handle, and yanked. It didn’t move.

Eve didn’t bother looking back. "Save your shoulder.